The Tigers trade for Rangers catcher Gerald Laird had a couple interesting subplots to it.

For one it meant that Texas might be holding on to its other two catchers, Taylor Teagarden and Jarrod Saltalamecchia. There was speculation that Boston would seek a trade for one of Texas' catchers.

Such a trade now would not come cheap for Boston (Clay Buchholz's name keeps getting thrown out there, but who knows?).

The other interesting part of the Tigers trade is that they reportedly once had interest in Jason Varitek.

But once Varitek was offered arbitration by the Red Sox, the Tigers lost interest, because to sign Varitek would cost Detroit a high draft pick.

Wonder if other teams will back off from Tek for similar reasons? To sign Varitek means giving up a draft pick, as well as taking a chance that his skills are not eroding.

Another catching note: Dusty Brown, the former Sea Dogs catcher who is now on the Sox 40-man roster, has seen his average in the Dominican Winter League slip to .224 with one home run and 18 RBI in 38 games.

Still would like to see Brown compete for a major league job, but that is not likely in Boston as long as the Red Sox keep Kevin Cash.

Do the Red Sox want free agent A.J. Burnett. It seems doubtful. But according to ESPN's (and former Portland Press Herald sports writer) Jerry Crasnick, the Red Sox met with Burnett and they are in the hunt for him, along with the Yankees and Braves.

Or is Boston just trying to drive up the price?

With Coco Crisp gone, the Red Sox need a fourth outfielder, preferably one who hits right-handed. Gabe Kapler's name is re-surfacing. Kapler, who seems to have been around forever, is only 33.

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